We’ll get this out of the way before we get to today’s content. Here’s a brand-spanking-new weekly newsletter specifically about prediction markets like Kalshi. First post here, or subscribe below.
If you value what I do or want to keep up to speed on the prediction markets industry, I hope you’ll give it a chance. If not, I am thankful you’re here for my gambling newsletter.
On the heels of the new newsletter and in my podcast for The Closing Line, I take a look back at what happened in daily fantasy sports and how it might inform what’s to come in prediction markets.
Gambling news roundup
The bad week for sweepstakes operators continues:
West Virginia is poised to take action against sweepstakes casinos/sportsbooks, according to Casino Reports. TCL can confirm that interest in the industry from West Virginia’s attorney general dates to last year. Click through to CR for more, but: “A source with knowledge informed Casino Reports this week that West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is preparing to either subpoena or send cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes operators accessing customers in the state.”
A quick followup on New York, where the state gaming commission is referring potential cases regarding “unlawful social gaming” operators to the attorney general’s office, as I reported yesterday. TCL can confirm today that the NYSGC is talking about sweepstakes operators, even though that term was not used by the chairman in remarks in an open meeting about possible action. It’s not clear how many cases might end up being taken up by the AG’s office, if any, but the NYSGC is aware of many of the largest sweepstakes operators currently serving the state.
House committee in Indiana passes online casino and lottery bill (State Affairs): “House Bill 1432, authored by Public Policy Committee Chair Ethan Manning, was approved in a 9-2 vote and would allow the start of online casino games as of Sept. 1. The Hoosier Lottery could begin online sales of jackpot draw and instant tickets after July 1. ‘I think it’s important to remember that Hoosiers are already playing casino games online,’ said Manning, R-Logansport. ‘Many of these are operated by offshore companies. There are no consumer protections, no responsible gaming [programs], absolutely nothing.’”
Could Texas Sports Betting See Boost From Casino PAC? (Legal Sports Report): “A new PAC ad campaign could signal positive momentum for Texas sports betting, but a familiar foe is holding strong. The Texas Destination Resort Alliance is running ads asking Lone Star State lawmakers to allow voters their say on destination resorts, according to KVUE. The ads come as discussions for casino gambling and online Texas sports betting heat up.”
Alabama Policy Institute launches anti-gambling website (Yellowhammer): “The Alabama Policy Institute launched a new website and initiative aimed at informing the public about the possible consequences of expanding gambling in Alabama this week.”
MGM Agrees to Pay $45 Million to Settle Data-Breach Lawsuit (WSJ, paywall): “A federal court gave preliminary approval to a $45 million settlement in a consolidated class-action lawsuit brought against MGM Resorts International for data breaches in 2019 and 2023.”
A group of former U.S. spies opposes building a new casino near D.C. Here's why (NPR): “More than 100 former spies and intelligence officers say foreign adversaries could take advantage of a new casino proposed in the Washington, D.C. area to penetrate national security. The proposed casino would sit in Tysons Corner, less than 20 miles west of the nation's capital in Northern Virginia. The area that is home to the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Pentagon and offices of various defense contractors are also nearby.”
Closing Line Consulting
Need help with gambling content, navigating the North American gaming industry, communications/PR, or research and analysis? I have a consultancy to help in gaming and beyond. Reach out if you want to have a conversation. Learn more about CLC here.
Michigan Lottery Achieves iCAP Re-certification for Responsible Online Gaming Practices (MI Lottery): “The Michigan Lottery has received re-certification for its commitment to responsible gaming after completing the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) through the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). ‘We are incredibly proud to have once again received certification for our commitment to responsible gaming through the iCAP program, underscoring the Lottery’s dedication to player safety and well-being,’ said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. ‘We will continue to prioritize responsible gaming practices and provide Michiganders with the resources and support they need to play responsibly.’”
Brian Mattingley to step down as Playtech chair in coming months (SBC Americas): “The British software and services supplier for the gaming industry has announced the departure of Mattingley as Chair ending a nearly four-year run at Playtech for the former 888 Holdings CEO and Chair. Mattingley is stepping down as Playtech Chair to retire. ‘It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chair of Playtech and to help steward the company through an important phase of growth and transition,’ said Mattingley. ‘I am proud of the milestones we have achieved as Playtech prepares to embark on a new chapter as a predominantly pure-play B2B business. It is with that in mind that I feel now is the right time to step down. I would like to thank my fellow board members, the leadership team and, above all, the wider Playtech family.’”
Sports Betting Headed To Sprint Car Racing With WRG (Speed Sport): “ALT Sports Data Inc., the San Diego-based leader in trading and consumer data for action, motor, alternative, and emerging sports, and World Racing Group announced a landmark partnership on Wednesday. This collaboration will enable regulated sports betting on premier dirt track racing properties, including the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, the American Sprint Car Series, and the Super DIRTcar Series.”
Gambling newsletter roundup
Early Super Bowl 59 betting action and 15 bets to make right now - Ben Fawkes
NFI’d: Regional casinos on the sidelines as Americans gamble elsewhere - Earnings + More
And of course, one more plug for mine: How Much Money Is Being Traded On The Super Bowl at Kalshi? - Event Horizon
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